Motorcycle Travel Checklist For Long-Distance Riding
Preparation is very important, especially in getting ready for a long-distance riding trip. It is ok having a free spirit, but things do not happen on their own.
So spend a little time before departure getting all the things in your motorcycle travel checklist ready, and look at possible routes, things to see, and places to stay.
What To Prepare?
A bit of preparation goes a long way to ensuring you make the most of your trip. The checklist below is just for general guidance and you can modify it according to your personal preference.
Essentials : Documents & Money
- A valid passport and any necessary visas.
- Driving License (including International Driving Permit – If needed).
- Original motorcycle Registration Document.
- Copy of motorcycle Insurance documents.
- Breakdown Assistance / Repatriation Cover (if any) Personal travel / medical insurance.
- Currency notes: depending on the country that you’re travelling to.
- A major credit card (Visa or Master card) and/or Debit card activated for overseas withdrawal.
- Touring Map & Guides – To use if GPS has stopped working.
- In Case of Emergency (ICE) Contacts list.
I would recommend that you make good quality or colour photocopies of all of your documents except your credit cards and keep them in a waterproof folder.
Essentials: Medical
- Basic painkillers, personal medication and prescription drugs.
- Mini first aid kit.
- Rehydration sachets.
- Sunblock, sunscreen, lip balm etc.
- Water bottle.
Recommended: For the Motorcycle
- Additional Engine / Gear Oil.
- Chain lubricant.
- Industrial tapes – for cracked fairings boxes.
- Motorcycle manual.
- Spare ignition keys.
- Epoxy resin and hardener – in case the engine cracks (temporary fix).
- Bicycle loop lock (for optional helmet security).
- Bike security devices (disc locks etc).
- Tyre pressure gauge.
- Cloths absorbent for drying saddles and cleaning the machine (store in zip lock bag).
- Puncture repair kit and/or install tyre sealant.
- Spare fuses & bulbs.
- Spark plugs & wire tape.
- Cable tie-down strap.
- Repair tool kit.
Recommended: Personal Comfort
- Riding Gears. (Helmet, Gloves, Jacket, Boots, Knee/Shin guards etc).
- Base layers.
- Latex gloves.
- Spare riding gloves.
- Clothes.
- Toiletries (Shampoo, soap etc).
- Snood/neck warmer.
- Socks (2-3 pairs).
- Sandal / Shoes.
- Super-absorbent travel towel.
- Raincoat.
- Visor & windshield bug cleaner with a cloth.
Electronics
- Universal Travel electric adapter.
- Earplugs.
- Power bank.
- GoPro or any action camera set.
- Digital Camera.
- Tripod for Camera.
- Walkie-talkie and/or Bluetooth intercom.
- Laptop with charger.
- GPS device with charger and/or GPS app on a smartphone.
Others
- A couple of small karabiners and bungee cords.
- Leatherman-type multi-tool or Swiss Army knife.
- Notebook and pen.
- Rucksack/backpack/fanny pack.
- Dictionary and/or Google translator app on a smartphone.
- Lighter.
- Spare spectacles.
- Sunglasses.
- Zip lock clear plastic bags.
- Dry bags (Waterproof bags).
- Rubber straps (Hook end type).
If you have any other suggestions to improve the list above, drop them in the comment box below.
Reminder: Accidents can happen unexpectedly, often at the most inconvenient times. When travelling abroad, medical bills can be expensive. With Travel Insurance, you can enjoy your trip worry-free.